Middle East conflict has roots in a past that remains 0...

Letters to the Editor

June 08, 1998

Middle East conflict has roots in a past that remains 0) disputed

I was profoundly touched and moved by Sam Husseini's essay ("Sowing seeds of anger," May 31). I, too, have visited Israel, and using a British map, circa 1938-1939, I scoured the country looking for the villages and towns that no longer exist.

Through my many visits to Israel over the past seven years, I have come to know and speak with many of the elder Israeli Arabs who remember "the Catastrophe" of 1948.

It is extremely important for the United States to maintain a truly nonpartisan position on the Middle East peace talks or withdraw altogether and allow our European allies to assist the Israelis and Palestinians in making peace.

Kathryn Coughlin

Washington, D.C.

Sam Husseini's article is so replete with distortions that a history refresher is in order.

The Middle East was not an exclusive domain of the Arabs. Hundreds of thousands of Jews lived throughout the Ottoman Empire. The Allies of World War II allocated most of the land to the Arabs. A tiny notch of Palestine was designated as a Jewish homeland. There was no distinctive Palestinian nationalism then.

Mr. Husseini makes no mention of the six wars and unrelenting terrorism Israel has been subjected to from Arabs with minds set on war, not peace.

Res Knisbacher

Baltimore

People mover would be plus for tourism in Baltimore

The monorail proposed by Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke should be considered a plus for Baltimore. The reasons are many.

For Baltimore to gain more convention revenue, its Inner Harbor needs to expand and be accessible. Monorails do not require underground excavation, saving time and money while offering easy observation by police and security guards.

Being above ground there are no traffic lights, and riders get a bird's-eye view of our center city, stimulating curiosity.

Besides, there is nothing wrong with the success of Disney World.

William O'Donnell

Towson

Hope teen will see the light after refusing to say pledge

I read with concern the article about the young woman in San Diego who is not happy with the Pledge of Allegiance ("Girl seeks to remain seated during Pledge of Allegiance," May 31).

While realizing we are a great nation of many freedoms, I cannot help but wonder if the next time this individual contemplates a trip to her attorney's office she might be better served by a trip to her local veterans' hospital, where she might see people who wish they could stand up and recite the pledge, but have no legs or other means to do so.

She might have doubts about her government -- granted, nothing is perfect -- but she is quoted as saying, "I disagreed with its message." I hope she and others like her get the real message. It is a lot more than a few words on a piece of paper or a few seconds over a public address system.

We are what we are because of the pledge of our forefathers, to make this a better place. Those few simple words always remind me of those who sacrificed so that I might enjoy that which I have now. May she see the light one day.

G. Grate

Perry Hall

Soft or rigid? Voters have picture of Ellen Sauerbrey

Not unlike House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who is striving mightily to soften his rude, crude image as he considers tossing his hat into the presidential ring, gubernatorial candidate Ellen Sauerbrey is also striving with might and mane to soften her austere image ("Sauerbrey is trying for a warmer, softer image," May 22).

She may change her wardrobe. She may change her hairstyle. She may study acting. But the real Ellen Sauerbrey (if elected) will come lunging at us in all her pent-up fury.

A chameleon can change its colors to match its surroundings to fool its predators, but a chameleon it remains.

Ms. Sauerbrey's and Mr. Gingrich's heartless agenda will place our nation in reverse gear, contrary to the desires of citizens who demand that we move full speed ahead with a humanitarian agenda.

Ms. Sauerbrey's sophistry should fool no one as she strives to exhibit herself as a more caring, compassionate person.

Nice try, but Ms. Sauerbrey and Mr. Gingrich still cause the hearts of right-wing radicals to skip an extra beat.

eon Peace Ried

Baltimore

I am writing in response to the letter about Ellen Sauerbrey ("Sauerbrey's image change won't fool Maryland voters," May 27). The author states that Maryland voters will not be fooled by her warmer, softer image. However, it is he who is clearly being fooled.

This misguided soul has been fooled by propaganda labeling Mrs. Sauerbrey as a rigid, right-wing conservative. I have met her, and she could not be any nicer or more genuine.

It is crystal clear that attempts to label her in this way are from Gov. Parris N. Glendening's fight for political survival.

Cheryl L. Mendelsohn

Pikesville

Not all Md. horsemen are behind Rehrmann

Since Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke's endorsement of Eileen M. Rehrmann, there has been a great deal of publicity suggesting that the racing industry is united in its support of Ms. Rehrmann.